GST is working with Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) to promote the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.
The GST candidate survey now includes a question whether candidates will take the Pledge.
The ATR website presents the history and rationals for the Pledge:
Politicians often run for office saying they won’t raise taxes, but then quickly turn their backs on the taxpayer.
The idea of the Pledge is simple enough: Make them put their no-new-taxes rhetoric in writing.
By signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, candidates and incumbents make a written commitment to oppose any and all tax increases. The Taxpayer Protection Pledge is made to a candidate’s constituents, who deserve to know where candidates stand on the tax issue. The Pledge is a prerequisite for many voters.
Since its rollout with the endorsement of President Reagan in 1986, the Taxpayer Protection Pledge is offered to every candidate for state and federal office and to all incumbents. Nearly 1,400 elected officials, from state representative to governor to US Senator, have signed the Pledge.
Granite State Taxpayers surveys primary candidates for their positions on taxpayer issues.
The questionnaire reaches about 900 candidates for NH State Executive and Legislative offices.
GST has been considering the ATR Taxpayer Protection Pledge and how to help more people to sign up for it.” said GST Chairman Ray Chadwick. “Currently, 63 out of 400 New Hampshire House members have signed it.”
GST decided to include the following questions in this year’s biennial survey of candidates:
For Legislators:
Would you agree to take the Americans for Tax Reform Pledge: “I will oppose and Vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.”?
For Governor and Executive Councilors:
Would you agree to take the Americans for Tax Reform Pledge: “I will oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes.”?
GST will advise ATR the names of those who commit to taking the Pledge, enabling ATR can issue their certificates and publicize their commitment.
“We’re proud to be working with Grover Norquist and Americans for Tax Reform, the foremost Taxpayer Advocates in the country,” said Chadwick. “Helping expand the number of elected officials who stand against tax increases is a most effective way of supporting New Hampshire Taxpayers.”